Scripture: Psalm 23, Exodus 13-14, John 10
This past Sunday, we looked at what it means for Jesus to be our Shepherd. Throughout Scripture, we see God as the one who leads, provides for, and protects His people. Psalm 23 gives us a beautiful picture of a loving Shepherd who cares for His sheep, and in Exodus, we see this truth played out as God leads Israel out of slavery and through the wilderness. Just like the Israelites, we often find ourselves in situations where we don’t know the way forward. But Jesus, our Good Shepherd, sees what we cannot and leads us exactly where we need to go.
God Guides His Sheep
One of the first things we see in the story of the Exodus is that God did not take the Israelites on the shortest route to the Promised Land. Instead, He led them the long way around. Why? Because He knew they weren’t ready for what they would face if they took the more direct path. How did God led His people in Exodus—not with a map, but with His presence. He led them with a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, making sure they always knew where to go.
This is so relevant to our lives today. How often do we want God to take us straight to our destination, yet He leads us a different way? Maybe it’s through delays, setbacks, or unexpected challenges. But if we trust that He sees the whole picture, we can have confidence that every step He takes us on is for our good.
God Makes a Way
Sometimes, God doesn’t just lead us on a detour—He leads us straight to what looks like a dead end. That’s exactly what happened when the Israelites found themselves trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea. Fear took over, and they began to question Moses and God. They panicked, but God’s response? “Walk through.” Just like that. What seemed impossible was just another step for Him. How many times do we feel stuck, believing there is no way out? Maybe you’re facing an impossible situation right now—whether it’s financial, relational, or a major life decision. The same God who made a way for Israel can make a way for you. Sometimes, we don’t see the path because it hasn’t been revealed yet, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Our job is to trust and move forward in faith.
God Protects His Sheep
As Israel walked through the Red Sea, God didn’t just lead them—He also protected them. The pillar of cloud moved behind them, creating a barrier between them and the Egyptian army. Then, as Pharaoh’s men pursued, God confused them, causing their chariots to malfunction. Finally, when the Israelites were safely across, the waters closed, swallowing the Egyptian army.
This is a powerful reminder that God not only guides us but also fights for us. We are in a spiritual battle, whether we realize it or not. Ephesians 6:12 tells us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of darkness. The enemy wants to distract, discourage, and destroy us, but our Shepherd stands between us and our enemy, shielding us from their attacks.
So What Now?
Jesus doesn’t just lead from a distance—He’s with us. Jesus tells us in John 10 that His sheep hear His voice and follow Him. The more time we spend with Him—through prayer, Scripture, and fellowship—the easier it is to recognize His guidance in our lives.
Maybe right now, you feel lost. Maybe you’re facing a detour you didn’t expect, a roadblock that seems impossible, or an enemy that is closing in. This is the time to trust the Good Shepherd. He has never led His people astray, and He won’t start now.
Reflection Questions:
Have you ever experienced a “detour” in life that later made sense? How did God use it?
Is there an area in your life right now where you need to trust God to make a way? What’s holding you back?
How have you seen God protect or defend you in ways you didn’t expect?
What is one step you can take this week to listen for the Shepherd’s voice more clearly?
That’s what we talked about this week. If you missed it, go back and watch—it’s a reminder we all need.
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